ENGL53030: Old Norse

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• to provide an intensive one-term introduction to the Old Norse language, culture and history;
• to enable students to gain an understanding of the grammar and syntax of the Old Norse language;
• to enable students to gain a competent reading knowledge of Old Norse prose, and to introduce them to the metres and subject matter of verse;
• to introduce students to examples of some of the major literary genres in Old Norse literature;
• to enable students to place these works in their historical and cultural context.

• The seminars will include a period devoted to study of the Old Norse language and one devoted to translation of a set text and to discussion of its literary, cultural and historical issues. Typically the set text will be Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu ('The Saga of Gunnlaugr Snake-Tongue') but other texts may be substituted.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• to gain an understanding of the structures and working of the Old Norse language;
• to gain knowledge of some major features of Old Norse literature.

Subject-specific Skills:

• to gain an ability to translate simple 'unseen' passages of Old Norse prose;
• to translate selected Old Norse literary works in prose and verse and to be able to comment on them, taking into account their historical and generic contexts;
• to translate into fluent modern English.

Key Skills:

• Students studying this module will develop:
• an advanced ability to analyse critically;
• an advanced ability to acquire complex information of diverse kinds in structured and systematic ways;
• an advanced ability to interpret complex information of diverse kinds through the distinctive skills derived from the subject;
• expertise in conventions of scholarly presentation and bibliographical skills;
• an independence of thought and judgement, and ability to assess acutely the critical ideas of others;
• sophisticated skills in critical reasoning; an advanced ability to handle information and argument critically;
• a competence in information-technology skills such as word-processing and electronic data access;
• professional organisation and time-management skills.

• Through a variety of teaching activities and approaches, seminars will facilitate the development of communication and critical skills. Sessions will introduce language issues as well as broad topics and genres, contexts and frameworks to aid conceptual understanding and specific texts for analysis as well as encourage individual interpretation and enquiry. A three hour examination will assess the competencies and outcomes outlined above and foster advanced independent study.
• Typically, directed learning may include assigning student(s) a translation passage, an issue, theme or topic that can be independently or collectively explored within a framework and/or with additional materials provided by the tutor. This may function as preparatory work for presenting their translations, ideas or findings (sometimes electronically) to their peers and tutor in the context of a seminar.

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